For and against essay

 text with exercises

Useful expressions

An Opinion Essay

- Essay structure (basic)

- Useful expressions (basic)

- exercises to improve your writing skills (intermediate)

- Exercises to improve your writing skills (advanced)

- games to review structure and ideas (advanced)

HOW TO WRITE A DESCRIPTION OF A PERSON

 

Complete these exercises

Presentación con ejercicios

How to describe a picture

HOW TO DESCRIBE A PICTURE. 

1st. Focus on the main part of the picture at the beginning.

Look at this picture. What can you see? This is a picture of a group of people canyoning. 

2nd . Describe as much as you can. 

In the middle of the photo, there is a young woman. She’s about ... years old. She’s got long fair hair. She’s wearing … 

Useful language: 

This picture shows...

There is / there are ...

I can see...

In the foreground / in the background 

On the right / on the left 

3rd . Try to use your imagination to make assumptions. 

For example: The woman could be on holiday after a hard week at work. Maybe her brother has a Extreme Sport business ...or maybe she just enjoys taking risk for fun. She might be with two close friends. Maybe they are spending the weekend in a rural house in the mountains and they are trying new experiences that give them a thrill and make them forget about the stress of the daily routine.

 Useful language:  I think... Maybe / Perhaps...

 Modal verbs of deduction: she must / can’t / might be … 

She looks…(happy.)/ She looks like … (my little sister). 

4th. You can also use personal stories Use your stories and examples from your life to speak more. People are much more comfortable talking about their experiences.

It is best to think about the WHO WHAT WHERE WHEN WHY HOW of each picture. Think about the subject, environment, time of day, weather, location, culture...this will give you ideas to keep you talking. 

Revision and extension for Unit 2 (4º ESO)

video: fundraising ideas
video: how to bid at an auction

Watch the video and answer the questions:
1) Which product are they advertising?
2) Write at least two adjectives to describe the     product.
https://youtu.be/IFrkSiCvBo0   



Listen to a job interview and answer the questions
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yB2iGzQYFKPMRpGsWF05iGAVmSzhhf2K/view?usp=sharing


Review verb tenses: past simple or past perfect
GRAMMAR EXPLANATION (in Spanish)
- test 1
- test 2
- past simple or past perfect 1
- past simple or past perfect 2

Review unit 1: CUMULATIVE GRAMMAR 
- past simple or past continuous
- used to (grammar explanation + exercise)

Write suitable endings for each situation:
- What had happened?

1. Before the teacher arrived...
2. When I saw you...
3. Before my best friend phoned me...
4. Before we went to our school trip...

Read the texts and answer the questions:
http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/intermediate-b1-reading/job-adverts

How to write a formal letter to apply for a job:
Letter guideline and format

Essay mistakes: Should a 16 years old vote in national elections?

1) Correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. The youngs have the right to vote.
2. The children isn't worried about politics.
3. We are in the 21th Century.
4. People who have 16 years old must learn about political parties.
5. The teens aren't mature enough to vote.
6. I think that vote in national elections should be for 18 years old people.
7. Who you should vote?
8. She knows many about the country.
9. Teens should demonstrate her education.
10. If a teenager hasn't knowledge about the country problems, he shouldn't vote.
11. They vote for her fathers.
12. Teens usually are rebels.
13. She is older than he.
14. Somebody should read the newspaper when they want to learn about social issues.

For and against essay

Write a For and Against Essay on the advantages and disadvantages of studying in a Private School. Write 100 – 150 words.

Ideas from your essays:
Introduction: private schools better or worse than public schools?
Advantages:
- better class atmosphere, education, facilities, technological devices and resources
- teachers have better formation
- students get better academic results in the university entrance exam
- easier places to teach: no behabiour problems
- less crowded classes
- you can decide on the way of thinking or the life style that you want to teach your children
- more demanding teachers
- you don't have to choose clothes / uniforms
Disadvantages:
- not all families can afford tuition fees
- less freedom
- promote social inequality
- uncomfortable uniforms
- more pressure
- isolation from the rest of the educative community.
- no schoolarships or grants
Conclusion:
If I could, I would choose to study in a ...because...

A For and Against Essay

A For and Against Essay

Read the text in page 20 and complete the outline:

Introduction:	______________________
Advantages:	1st______________________ 2nd______________________ 3rd______________________
Disadvantages:	1st______________________ 2nd______________________ 3rd______________________
Conclusion:	_____________________

DESCRIBE A PHOTO

This is one of my favourite photos. It is a colored photo. It was taken in June in 2015. They are my school workmates. We are all happy because the school year is over and we are celebrating it with a trip to the Natural Park of Doñana. The sun is shining and in the background, you can see the huge sand dunes which are really beautiful.

From left to right, you can see Lola, she is a maths teacher. She is wearing a red t-shirt and jeans. Next to Lola, we can see Gema. She is the literature teacher. She is wearing a flowery top and black jeans. Rosario is between Gema and Esperanza. She is also a maths teacher. She is wearing a blue and white top and light-blue trousers. Esperanza is the school councellor. She is wearing beige trousers and a fuchsia polo shirt. She is carrying binoculars and a beige rucksack. Merchi is in the middle of the picture. She is wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. She helps students with special educational needs. I’m next to Merchi. I’m wearing shorts and a white top. Ana and Silvia are on the right of the photo, Ana is weaing a hat and a brown bag. She teaches Spanish language and literature. Finally Silvia teaches maths too. She is wearing a blue and white top and blue jeans. Except Gema, we are all wearing sunglasses.

I like this photo because apart from my school workmates, they are my friends and having friends at work is a great luck. 

Use the following expressions to describe a photo:

What is in the picture?

In the picture I can see ...

This photo was taken in ...(place and date) ex: in Madrid in January, 2012.

There’s / There are ... / There isn’t a ... / There aren’t any ...

Say what is happening with the present continuous

The man is wearing ...

The people are ...ing

It’s raining.

Where are people or things in the picture?

At the top/bottom of the picture ...
In the middle of the picture ...
On the left/right of the picture ...

Why do you like the photo?

I like this photo because...

In my opinion, it's a great photo because...

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/karrie58-344100-describing-picture-a2-esl-efl-education-ppt-powerpoint/

The advantages and disadvantages of studying at an online university.

Watch the following video to learn more about the differences between face-to-face and online teaching: https://facultyforward.jhu.edu/learning-roadmap-for-new-online-instructors/overview-of-online-teaching/

1) Correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. You haven't enough time to study.
2. Actually, a lot of people study online.
3. News techologies are more and more important in our lives.
4. I'm not prepared for studying.
5. People has always studied at an university.
6. You need internet to study online.
7. Other advantage is that it's cheaper.
8. When you have childs, studying online is a good option.
9. It's more economic than going to a real university.
10. It always isn't easy to study alone.

2) Complete the sentences with a preposition. (sometimes you don't need it)
1. The main advantage _____ studying online is that you can study at home.
2. This film is _______ kids.
3. She always depends ____ me.

4. We attend _____ classes.

5. They usually spend their money _____ cigarretes.

6. You have to study ______ yourself,

3) Write a sentence with the following words or expressions:

1. assist

2. is present

3. alone

4. fail

YOUR IDEAS:

INTRODUCTION:  The importance of new technologies and how they are changing everything even the traditional face-to-face classroom learning at universities. Good or bad?

ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
- attend classes anywhere - cheaper (you don’t have to pay transport, taxes, …) - autonomy / no schedule (you are free to organise your time) - no interruptions from other partners.	- no human contact. - difficulty to make yourself understood. - responsibility (lazy students never find the right time to start working at home) - problems to go online or with your laptop. - distraction (no one calls your attention)

CONCLUSION: You would / wouldn’t choose an internet-based learning

EXERCISES TO IMPROVE WRITING SKILLS

- Advantages and disadvantages essay
Choose one of the following topics and write an essay (100- 150 words)
What do you think of smoking in public places such as restaurants, pubs, etc.?
What is your opinion about changes in physical appearance?
The importance of being beautiful.
How can you contribute to preserving the environment in your daily routine?

COMMON MISTAKES IN ESSAYS

arrive at the airport	llegar al aeropuerto
arrive in London	llegar a Londres
cheaper (short adjectives)	más barato
more expesive (long adjectives)	más caro
look at somebody	mirar a alguien
Last summer (sin the)	el pasado verano
to travel abroad	viajar al extranjero
on Friday morning	la mañana del lunes
to see	para ver
My family and I	mi familia y yo

Another, other, others

IMPROVE YOUR WRITING

Answer the questions. Write a short paragraph on this topic.
1. Describe your partner. (physical appearence and clothes)
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
2. How was life 80 years ago?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
3. I can't find my keys. What should I do?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
4. If I were a pop star...
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
5. How do you imagine yourself in 2030?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
6. What are your best friend's plans for the summer holidays?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
7. Something you couldn't imagine living without
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Writing an advantages and disadvantages essay

WRITING AN ADVANTANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES ESSAY

I. Topic Sentences Task 1 Read the following essay about living abroad and fill in the topic sentences given below a) One of the main advantages of living in a foreign country is that people can enjoy better financial opportunities. b) To sum up, even though living in a strange place may be hard at first, in time one can adjust to it. c) On the other hand, it may be difficult for people to adapt to their new surroundings. d) As we know, today there are about six billion people in the world.

Advantages and disadvantages of living abroad 1 ________________________All of them live in different countries and have diverse cultures. Some countries have become well developed, while others haven’t as yet. For this reason, some people want to go to well-developed foreign countries to live more comfortably and earn more money. Living in a foreign country has many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. 2 ________________________For example, they may get a good job and a high salary so they can buy what they want and have a better lifestyle. Furthermore, they may benefit from well-developed education and health systems. Moreover, one is given the chance to learn and become fluent in another language through everyday use. For instance, people can participate in lots of social activities thus improving their communicative skills. Finally, they become more independent by having to deal with difficult situations on their own.  3. ________________________If they live alone, they miss their families and countries. Sometimes they may feel isolated, frustrated, and lonely. In addition, if someone can’t speak the language yet, he or she may face communication problems. What is more, there is discrimination in some countries. Foreigners aren’t easily accepted in these places. 4. ________________________In my opinion, if a person has an opportunity to go to a well-developed foreign country, he or she should benefit from this opportunity for his or her future.

Task 2 Look at the outline of the essay you have just read. The arguments in the two paragraphs have been messed up. Put them in the right order. Introduction – people choose where to live; living abroad has advantages and disadvantages Body Paragraph I – Advantages Argument 1 - better financial opportunities; example – jobs, education and health care (1) Argument 2 - foreign language problems; example – difficult to communicate (5) Argument 3 – discrimination; example - foreigners not easily accepted (6) Paragraph II – Disadvantages Argument 1 – getting used to the new country; example – living alone (4) Argument 2 – learning a foreign language; example – social life; communication (2) Argument 3 - becoming independent; example – coping with difficult situations (3) Conclusion – Summing up and expressing a personal opinion

Advantages and disadvantages of living abroad 1 d) As we know, today there are about six billion people in the world. All of them live in different countries and have diverse cultures. Some countries have become well developed, while others haven’t as yet. For this reason, some people want to go to well-developed foreign countries to live more comfortably and earn more money. Living in a foreign country has many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. 2 a) One of the main advantages of living in a foreign country is that people can enjoy better financial opportunities. For example, they may get a good job and a high salary so they can buy what they want and have a better lifestyle. Furthermore, they may benefit from well-developed education and health systems. Moreover, one is given the chance to learn and become fluent in another language through everyday use. For instance, people can participate in lots of social activities thus improving their communicative skills. Finally, they become more independent by having to deal with difficult situations on their own.  3 c) On the other hand, it may be difficult for people to adapt to their new surroundings. If they live alone, they miss their families and countries. Sometimes they may feel isolated, frustrated, and lonely. In addition, if someone can’t speak the language yet, he or she may face communication problems. What is more, there is discrimination in some countries. Foreigners aren’t easily accepted in these places. 4 b) To sum up, even though living in a strange place may be hard at first, in time one can adjust to it. In my opinion, if a person has an opportunity to go to a well-developed foreign country, he or she should benefit from this opportunity for his or her future.

Task 4 Fill in the blanks with one of the following words and phrases. Do not use the same expression twice. First of all/Firstly/Second /Secondly/Third/Thirdly/ Finally In addition/Moreover /Furthermore/ What is more So/ As a result/Therefore However /On the other hand/In contrast In conclusion/To sum up/On the whole

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in the Country Living in the country is often the secret dream of certain city-dwellers. ………..(1), in reality it has its advantages and disadvantages. There are many advantages to living in the country. …………..(2), one is much closer to nature and can enjoy more peace and quiet. ……………(3), life in the country is much slower and people tend to be more open and friendly. A further advantage is that there is much less traffic, and as a result it is a much safer place to bring up children. ……………..(4), there are certain drawbacks to life outside the city. ……………….(5), because there are fewer people, one has a smaller number of friends. …………..(6), entertainment, particularly in the evening, is difficult to find. Furthermore, the fact that there are fewer shops and services often means that there are fewer employment opportunities. ………….(7), one may have to travel long distances to work elsewhere, and this can be extremely expensive. …………(8), it can be seen that the country is more suitable for some than others. ………(9), it is often the best place for those who are retired or who have young children. ………….(10), young, single people who are following a career and who want some excitement are better provided for by life in the city.

Task 6 Write a brief summary of each paragraph in the spaces below: Introduction: Paragraph I: Topic Sentence:                         1.                         2.                         3. Paragraph II: Topic Sentence: 1.                         2.                         3. Conclusion:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in the Country Living in the country is often the secret dream of certain city-dwellers. However (1), in reality it has its advantages and disadvantages. There are many advantages to living in the country. First of all(2), one is much closer to nature and can enjoy more peace and quiet. In addition (3), life in the country is much slower and people tend to be more open and friendly. A further advantage is that there is much less traffic, and as a result it is a much safer place to bring up children. On the other hand (4), there are certain drawbacks to life outside the city. Firstly (5), because there are fewer people, one has a smaller number of friends. Secondly (6), entertainment, particularly in the evening, is difficult to find. Furthermore, the fact that there are fewer shops and services often means that there are fewer employment opportunities. Finally (7), one may have to travel long distances to work elsewhere, and this can be extremely expensive. To sum up (8), it can be seen that the country is more suitable for some than others. Therefore (9), it is often the best place for those who are retired or who have young children. In contrast (10), young, single people who are following a career and who want some excitement are better provided for by life in the city.

TASK 7: Now write an essay about the advantages and disadvantages of being a famous actor/ actress

HOW TO WRITE A CURRICULUM VITAE

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name                    Johanneke Marie VAN DALE (Janneke)

Address                Breestraat 21

                             2311 AB  LEIDEN

                             the Netherlands

Telephone             +31 71 5126511

E-mail                   johmvan@gmail.com

Date of birth          7 March 1988

Nationality             Dutch

Sex                       Female

Marital status        Single

Education/Qualifications

2006-2010            Leiden University, M.A. in English Language and Literature obtained in 2009.

2000-2006            Stedelijk Lyceum Arnhem, Diploma Gymnasium-A (gives entry to university) in the                                       subjects: Dutch, Latin, French, German, English, History, Social Studies and Music.

Employment to Date/Work Experience

2007-present        Employment Agency Randfiguur, Leiden, the Netherlands.

                                Post: Translator.

2006-present        Freelance translator.

2009                       Translation Agency Snoep en Honnepon, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

                                Post: Trainee.

Other Experience/Activities

2006-2009              Member of the International Students' Association "AISLE".

2009                       Member of the Exchange Committee of AISLE, Leiden.

                               Post: Assessor Activities.

                               Responsibilities: organising social events.

Languages           Dutch: native speaker; English: near native speaker; French: good; German: fair; Italian:

                             good passive skills; Russian: basic.

Other Skills          Computer literate: Windows applications.

                                Clean Driving Licence.

Interests                Travelling, international affairs, European history, meeting friends.

WRITE ABOUT A LOVE STORY

Look at the pictures and write a short LOVE STORY (60-80 words). Don’t forget connectors: but, however, although…

Paragraph 1: Describe the first time you met: place, weather, physical description

Paragraph 2: Your first date

Paragraph 3: Your wedding and children

Compare these photographs

Use:
- There is / are
- There was / were
- There used to be
- Time expressions: In the past, In 1900, now, nowadays...
- Connectors: but, although, however, on the other hand...

Write about your best friend

paragraph 1: Describe him or her (name, age, physical description, character, likes and dislikes, daily routine)

paragraph 2: Describe his / her best trip (destination, activities, use connectors: First, Then, After that, Finally) 

paragraph 3: How will be his/her life in the future? In the future, he / she will ...

paragraph 4: His / her favourite film. 

Writing an opinion paragraph

Writing An Opinion Paragraph from Chulalongkorn University Language Institute, home!

EXERCISE 1 (easy)
List of expression

EXERCISE 2 (advanced)

EXERCISE 3: Give your opinion about the following issue (reason and supporting details)

Secondary Schools should give daily sports lessons